Entering into university requires all new students to adjust to the environment. This is especially true for international students who have uprooted themselves and move into a foreign country. You will be experiencing many different changes when entering university in another country. Anticipating the adjustment process can help reduce stress and allow you to be better prepared for the experiences you may be going through.
Brace yourself for the following four phases:-
I: "Honeymoon" Phase
This usually happens in the early stage of your arrival to a new country when you are excited about going through a new experience. It often corresponds with the orientation period and the first few months of the semester when you feel positive about the people and events surrounding you. Everyone seems to be pleasant and helpful. Most students will also be eager and keen to try new things and meet new people.
II: "Culture Shock" Phase
When the novelty and enthusiasm wears off, you may begin to miss people and things in your home country. Studies may become more difficult, particularly if English is not the medium of instruction used in your high school. As it is, communicating with people from a culture that you are unfamiliar with is challenging. What more if you are also not fluent in English. As a result, you may feel disappointed, frustrated and isolated. Some of you may even think about returning home.
Some of the symptoms of culture shock are:
- anxiety
- feeling down or depressed
- irritability
- homesickness
- loneliness
- don't feel like eating or eating too much
- can't sleep or too much sleep
- lack of energy (don't feel like doing anything)
- more complaints of physical illness like headache, backache, etc.
- difficulty in concentrating when you are studying
- withdrawal from people
III: Adjusting Phase
Generally, students will begin to get more familiar with their immediate surroundings, language and the culture. They will also regain interest in the new environment. The sense of self-confidence, energy level and ability to adjust will gradually increase.
Phase IV: Adaptation
In this phase, most students are able to accept the differences and develop new friendships. Students feel more at home in Singapore and are managing their studies.
How You Can Adjust Better
· Understand that culture shock is a normal reaction. Learn to see the new culture as "different", without labelling it as "good or bad".
· Be patient. Remind yourself that the culture shock phase is temporary. Simply realise what is happening to you and give yourself time to adjust to the new environment.
· Attend the orientation camps or programmes to get to know other new students. The activities of these events will help you to develop friendship with others.
· Familiarise yourself with your immediate surroundings. Begin at your hall by checking out the layout, and getting to know your roommate and neighbours. Also find out who your hall officer, JCRC members and Hall Fellows are. At your school, find out who the Assistant Chair and your Academic Mentor are.
· Look out for and participate in activities organised by your hall, and the various NTU departments like schools, International Student Centre (ISC) and Student Counselling Centre (SCC).
· Talk with or write to friends and acquaintances if you feel discouraged or isolated. You can also record your experiences in a journal to keep things in perspective.
· Develop your sense of humour. You may make mistakes as you explore a new culture. Learning to laugh at these mistakes can help you to have fun and enjoy the experiences.
· Be realistic about your expectations. Examine your expectations of yourself and the environment, set realistic goals and accept that you need time to adjust to the changes you are experiencing now.
· Take care of yourself. Have proper rest, regular meals, and time for exercise, recreation and relaxation.
· Begin your preparations for study early in the semester. Learn to prioritise and manage your time well.
· Make full use of the NTU resources to help yourself. The Student Counselling Centre (SCC) offers counselling services to students who have any issues including study, adjustment, psychological and relationship concerns. Students could also speak with staff of International Student Centre (ISC), Hall Fellows, tutors, lecturers, or Academic Mentor.
· Also See Adjusting to University Life
If you are having problems with adjustment to a new culture, consider seeing a counsellor at the NTU Student Counselling Centre. To make an appointment, contact the Counselling Centre at 67904462 or email SCC@ntu.edu.sg.